INK: Fine Lines by Bella Roccaforte

 

 

Rating 5  STARS

 

INK: Fine Lines follows the twisted path of Shay Baynes, an up-and-coming comic book artist. A horrific series of tragedies strike just as she’s finally about to hit it big. When paranormal investigator McNab uncovers a pattern of disturbing coincidences it becomes clear that this is more than just a bout of bad luck. Everyone’s in danger including Aiden & Eli who have divided Shay’s heart.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

I had to put this book down a few times, not because it wasn’t enthralling, but it was so intense my brain needed time to process.  I still finished it in two days.

Shay is a comic book artist who is on the brink of success when her neighbors are brutally murdered and she becomes the number one suspect.  Her long time, on again, off again lover, Aidan, has returned to start a new pursuit of her affections.  She is drawn to him but has conflicting feelings because he has been so unreliable in the past.  She is also pursued by Eli who wants to get back together after breaking up with her.

Add to that , she is having increasingly frightening dreams about the main character of her comic books.

Shay was a likeable and admirable main character.  I liked that she wanted to be an independent woman and wasn’t cocky about her success in her career.  She was still humble and was willing to work hard to increase her comic book’s popularity.  Her dreams about her comic book hero were vivid and became more frightening throughout the book.

I could also understand her being torn between two lovers.  She had known both since childhood and they all had a history together.  Her struggle seemed very real and never contrived.

Aidan and Eli were both handsome and well described.  I could understand how Shay ws conflicted about them.  They were very different from one another yet extremely attractive in their own ways.

INK: fine lines was an exciting book that immersed this reader into Shay’s world and let me share her adventure.  If you like to be a little frightened and a little excited at the same time, this is the book for you.

 

 

Elf Hunter

Review of Elf Hunter by C. S. Marks  Rating 5 STARS

 

This is the tale of Gorgon Elfhunter, a monstrous, mysterious creature who has sworn to destroy all the Elves of Alterra—until none remain. It is the story of Wood-elven heroine Gaelen Taldin, who has sworn to rid her world of the Elfhunter even as she is hunted by him. The conflict between them creates a tangled web that blurs the line between Light and Darkness, love and obsession, free will and fate. Filled with moments both tender and terrifying, thrilling yet thought-provoking, it is a timeless epic fantasy suitable for readers of all ages. Join the Company of Elves, dwarves, mortal men, and delightfully intelligent horses. Come to Alterra—the “World that Is”.

I could not put this book down. It was exciting and frightening and engrossing.

When we first meet the elves, Gaelen and Nelwyn, they have come upon a horrific scene which diverts them from their original duty.

Through a harrowing event, they meet another elf, Galador and his companion, a mortal man named Rogond.  The attraction of Galador to Nelwyn is immediate and she feels the same.  Gaelen helps to cure Rogond of his illness and he is bonded to her.

A scourge is threatening the Elf Kingdoms and these four set out to put a stop to the terrible Elf killer.

Gorgon, the Elf Hunter, is a frightening beast of a creation.  He has no feelings and no regard for any life save his own.  He hates Elves and has made a pact with the Shadowmancer to destroy all the Elves in existence.  He is not content with just killing his victims.  He tortures them until they can stand no more.  This is one of the most evil and black-hearted villains I have ever read.

While travelling to warn all the Elf Kingdoms of the menace, the four comrades become one Company and add to their midst, Fima, the Dwarf Loremaster who is a fast friend of Rogan.  The Company and their allies set out to trap and kill the Elf Hunter.

I thought the characters in the book were well written and interesting.  I liked the combination of Elves, mortal men and Dwarves.

The author describes things so well, you are completely immersed in the story and feel like you are in the woods or mountains or places of respite right along with the Company.

The descriptions of the Elf Hunter’s cruelty to his victims were hard to read as they were quite graphic so I would not recommend this book for a young reader.  Young adults over the age of fourteen would relate to the characters and enjoy the adventures they have.

The Elf Hunter was an excellent book.  I’m looking forward to another book in the series.